Basement renovation: Bright multi-purpose family room

Before: Basement

White storage cabinets

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Virginia Macdonald

At the far end of the family room, blend-into-the-wall white storage cabinets offer function without adding visual weight for a bright, airy space. Classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s grace the TV screen on frequent family movie nights.

Dining nook

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Virginia Macdonald

An existing large alcove was the natural choice for the dining nook. Grey paint defines it and balances out the stone-clad fireplace across the room.

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White-painted wood walls

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Virginia Macdonald

The next big thing to windows that open to the outside? A pair of radiant nature photographs paired with newly installed pot lights. The wall treatment of white-painted wood boards lends the room a Scandi-chic vibe.

Mauve accents

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Virginia Macdonald

To sustain the airness of the space, Erin chose a palette of soft greys and taupes with mauve accents.

High-gloss storage

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Virginia Macdonald

Erin opted for a touch-latch mechanism in place of door pulls on the high-gloss flat-panelled storage unit (made from prefab IKEA cabinetry) for a totally streamlined look.

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Storage units

A light push in the right spot on the white storage units reveals the family’s extended collection of classic flicks and literature.

Wall-hung radiator

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Image by: Style at Home
By: Mary Levitski
Source: Virginia Macdonald

Seating options abound in the new family-friendly space. Even Cloudy, homeowner Style at Home editor-in-chief Erin McLaughlin’s Siamese cat, gets a stylish perch of his very own in an unused corner. The inconspicuous wall-hung radiator was a practical addition in the circa-1920s room.